Red Oak Transportation Department Improves Student Bus Services Amid Driver Shortages

The Nash County Public Schools Board of Education meeting held on August 28, 2025, focused primarily on transportation challenges and staffing solutions for the upcoming school year. The meeting began with discussions surrounding the ongoing shortage of bus drivers, particularly at Red Oak Elementary.

A board member reported on efforts to recruit drivers, noting that a teaching assistant (TA) at Red Oak is currently filling in as a driver. However, logistical conflicts were highlighted, as the schedules of elementary and middle school students do not align, complicating the transportation situation. The board discussed potential solutions, including the possibility of reallocating drivers from other schools to cover the Red Oak route.

The conversation also touched on community resources, with a parent suggesting that local retirees with driving licenses could be recruited to help alleviate the driver shortage. Additionally, it was mentioned that the Opportunities Industrialization Center (OIC) may offer training programs for potential drivers, which could be explored further.

The transportation department reported that over 7,000 students had signed up for bus services, with routing for more than a thousand students still in progress. The department has made significant strides in reducing the number of out-of-bounds students, bringing the count down to approximately 50.

Overall, the meeting underscored the commitment of the transportation department to ensure that all students arrive at school on time, with board members expressing appreciation for the efforts made thus far. The discussions concluded with a focus on continuing to explore innovative solutions to the ongoing transportation challenges as the school year progresses.